The Oyo State Government of Nigeria had a working visit to the FARA Secretariat 25-26 January 2018. The High-Level delegation was led by the Honorable Commissioner for Agriculture (Prince Oyewole Oyewumi) to discuss proactive and pragmatic modalities of raising the Oyo State agricultural bar given the natural endowments within the state.Other members of the Oyo State delegation include Hon Safiu Olalere (Chairman House Committee on Agriculture), Ms Ganiyat Olawoore (Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture) and Mrs F. F Akande (Programme Manager and Chief Executive Oyo State Agricultural Development Programme).

The mission was commenced with a courtesy call on the Nigeria High Commissioner – Amb Femi Michael Abikoye who warmly received the delegation at the Nigeria High Commission premises. In his welcome remarks, Amb Abikoye encouraged the delegation to focus only on one or two key areas that can be targeted for maximum impact.

The working visit was therefore guided by the wisdom provided by Amb Abikoye in the convergence of thoughts around only three key strategic areas. The business model will be developed for these three commodities and subject to further discussions with the State authorities, FARA will mediate some support using its South-South Collaboration window.

The management of FARA is delighted to have been able to provide some support that will go a long way to strengthen the good work of the Oyo State Government in Agriculture. The Mission closed on a very happy note at 1300 on Friday 26th January 2018.